Why your subsequent sensible TV may value extra in 2026

For the previous couple of months, one of many greatest tales in tech has been the skyrocketing value of RAM (Random Entry Reminiscence), the tiny reminiscence chips which can be an important a part of any pc. At CES 2026, tons of corporations are exhibiting off new laptops, sensible TVs, and devices that look spectacular, however the large query is whether or not they’ll value much more just because RAM chips are in such quick provide, brought on by AI corporations shopping for up giant swaths of RAM to extend server capability.

Many of the dialog round rising RAM costs has targeted on desktop PCs and laptops, however sensible TVs could possibly be affected, too. They depend on RAM to run their working methods and apps easily, and Samsung — one of many world’s largest reminiscence chip producers — is warning that larger costs could possibly be on the horizon, not only for sensible TVs, however most client electronics.

“There’s going to be points round semiconductor provides, and it may have an effect on everybody,” stated Gained-Jin Lee, Samsung’s president and head of world advertising and marketing, in an interview with Bloomberg. “Costs are going up whilst we converse. Clearly, we do not need to convey that burden to the customers, however we’ll be at some extent the place now we have to truly contemplate repricing our merchandise.”

Samsung is likely one of the greatest TV manufacturers on the earth, and whereas it’s also one of many greatest reminiscence producers, that does not imply it is resistant to the value hikes most main tech corporations are dealing with.

“As this example is unprecedented, no firm is resistant to its impression,” stated TM Roh, Samsung’s co-CEO, talking to Reuters, who additionally added that the reminiscence chip scarcity is not going to solely have an effect on telephones, but in addition tons of electronics, together with TVs and residential home equipment.

How a lot may the value of sensible TVs go up by?

Shopping for final 12 months’s mannequin could possibly be the easiest way to keep away from value hikes

There is not a single definitive quantity or share level for the way a lot sensible TV costs may rise, and to date, there have not been any main value hikes. That stated, the scenario may change rapidly as reminiscence costs proceed to climb.

For context, by the tip of December, reminiscence costs had greater than doubled in comparison with their October ranges. In line with Counterpoint Research, reminiscence costs are anticipated to rise by 40 to 50 % in Q1 2026, adopted by one other 20 % enhance in Q2 2026.

“The rising value of reminiscence is essentially altering the Invoice of Supplies (BoM) for {hardware} producers,” Counterpoint Analysis defined.

Good TV pricing is determined by many elements, not simply RAM, with the show being a significant value driver. Nonetheless, the skyrocketing value of reminiscence — regardless that it makes up solely a small portion of a TV — may push the price of new sensible TVs larger this 12 months. And with loads of new fashions debuting at CES 2026, these larger costs could also be felt sooner somewhat than later, because the TVs introduced this week begin launching within the spring and pricing is revealed.

For those who’re trying to keep away from any potential value hikes tied to this RAM crunch, selecting up one in every of final 12 months’s sensible TV fashions now could also be value contemplating. Lots of final 12 months’s greatest TVs, together with the LG C5, Sony BRAVIA 8 II, and Samsung S90F, are still on sale at retailers — even with the vacations behind us. So if you happen to’ve been ready to improve, now may be the time to do it, earlier than producers are compelled to boost costs as a result of exponential value of RAM.